In our modern, fast-paced world, the pressures of daily life can often seem overwhelming. We’re constantly bombarded with messages of success, achievement, and self-optimisation, all while navigating an unrelenting stream of information through social media, 24-hour news cycles, and our constant digital connectivity. The result? Anxiety has become one of the most pervasive struggles of our time. But what if the answer to this anxiety isn’t found in achieving more, but in finding faith?
Søren Kierkegaard, a 19th-century Danish philosopher often credited as the father of existentialism, spent much of his life contemplating anxiety, despair, and faith. His writings offer a profound perspective on how faith isn’t just about religious belief, but a deeply personal and transformative experience that can serve as a remedy to the anxieties we face in the modern world.
A Part of Being Human
Before diving into Kierkegaard’s ideas on faith, it’s essential to understand his perspective on anxiety itself. For Kierkegaard, anxiety wasn’t just a fleeting feeling or an obstacle to happiness; it was a fundamental part of the human condition. He referred to it as “the dizziness of freedom.” This anxiety arises from the sheer number of choices we have and the possibilities that come with them. In every decision we make, we are confronted with our freedom to choose and the weight of responsibility that comes with that freedom.
This idea resonates deeply in today’s world. Modern life offers countless choices—what career to pursue, how to present ourselves on social media, where to live, who to be with, and how to find meaning in our lives. Each choice feels monumental, and the fear of making the wrong decision can lead to crippling anxiety. This pressure to succeed and to constantly “get it right” only intensifies the burden of choice.
Kierkegaard believed that this anxiety is inevitable. But he also argued that it doesn’t have to be destructive. Instead, he saw anxiety as a potential gateway to growth and self-awareness. Rather than something to be avoided, anxiety should be embraced as a crucial step toward discovering who we truly are.
Faith as the Antidote to Anxiety
So, where does faith come in? Kierkegaard believed that the answer to anxiety isn’t to eliminate it or even to suppress it, but to confront it head-on by taking a “leap of faith.” For him, faith wasn’t about certainty or dogma. It wasn’t about being free from doubt. Rather, faith was a deeply personal and subjective experience of trusting in something greater than oneself, despite the uncertainty and chaos of life.
Kierkegaard often used the biblical story of Abraham and Isaac to illustrate this idea. In the story, Abraham is asked by God to sacrifice his son Isaac, a command that defies logic and human morality. Yet, Abraham moves forward in faith, trusting in God’s promise without knowing how it would be fulfilled. Kierkegaard referred to this as “the teleological suspension of the ethical”—a situation where faith transcends rationality and ethics.
While most of us won’t face such a dramatic test of faith, Kierkegaard’s story of Abraham speaks to the anxieties we all face in life. The idea of faith as a response to anxiety, invites us to surrender control, to embrace the unknown, and to trust that meaning can be found beyond our immediate understanding. This doesn’t mean abandoning reason or responsibility but rather acknowledging that there are aspects of life we cannot control—and learning to live with that uncertainty.
Navigating Modern Life with Faith
But how does this concept of faith apply to our modern lives? After all, today’s anxieties often come from very practical sources: job pressures, financial concerns, social comparisons, and the relentless pursuit of success. How can faith, as Kierkegaard described it, help alleviate these everyday struggles?
First, faith invites us to shift our perspective on what success truly means. In a world that prioritises external achievements—career advancements, wealth, popularity—it’s easy to get caught up in the belief that our worth is tied to what we accomplish. But faith, as Kierkegaard saw it, redirects our focus from external validation to internal truth. It asks us to consider our relationship with ourselves, with others, and with something greater than worldly success.
Faith reminds us that we are more than the sum of our achievements. It encourages us to stop measuring our worth by societal standards and instead focus on living authentically. This shift in perspective can reduce the anxiety that comes from the constant pressure to prove ourselves and keep up with others.
Embracing Uncertainty with Faith
Kierkegaard’s concept of faith also helps us navigate uncertainty. Much of modern anxiety stems from the fear of the unknown—the fear of what might happen if we make the wrong decision or don’t meet expectations. But Kierkegaard’s leap of faith teaches us that uncertainty is not something to be feared but embraced.
Faith allows us to live with the understanding that not everything can be predicted, controlled, or perfectly planned. In fact, trying to control everything is what exacerbates our anxiety. Instead, faith asks us to trust that even in the face of uncertainty, we can find meaning and purpose.
This doesn’t mean that we should be passive or fatalistic. Kierkegaard was clear that faith doesn’t absolve us of responsibility. We must still engage with the world and make choices. But it does mean that we can let go of the need for total control and trust that there is something beyond our immediate understanding.
Faith in Action: How to Cultivate Faith in Daily Life
While Kierkegaard’s reflections on faith are deeply philosophical, they also offer practical insights for how we might navigate the anxieties of modern life.
- Practice Surrender: Let go of the need to control every outcome. Trust that uncertainty is a natural part of life, and allow yourself to move forward even when the path is unclear.
- Redefine Success: Instead of measuring your worth by external achievements, focus on internal growth and authenticity. Faith encourages us to find value in who we are, not just in what we accomplish.
- Embrace Doubt: Faith isn’t about being free from doubt. Instead, it’s about trusting in something greater, even in the face of uncertainty. Accept that doubt is a part of the journey, and don’t let it paralyse you.
- Seek Meaning Beyond Yourself: Kierkegaard believed that faith connects us to something greater than ourselves—whether that’s a sense of purpose, a higher power, or a commitment to others. Engage in activities that remind you of your place in the larger picture, such as volunteering, connecting with nature, or nurturing relationships.
- Practice Mindfulness: Ground yourself in the present moment. Instead of worrying about the future or regretting the past, faith encourages us to trust in the here and now. Simple mindfulness practices, like meditation or journaling, can help you cultivate this mindset.
Finding Peace in a World of Anxiety
In a world that often feels overwhelming, Kierkegaard’s ideas on faith offer a powerful antidote to anxiety. By embracing uncertainty, redefining success, and trusting in something greater than ourselves, we can begin to navigate the complexities of modern life with greater peace and purpose. While anxiety may always be a part of the human experience, faith can help us find meaning amid the chaos. Through faith, we can transcend the pressures of modern life and discover a deeper sense of self and fulfilment.